Assessment of distress levels in female breast cancer survivors: A longitudinal analysis

Objectives: To assess the level of distress and its correlation with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of female breast cancer survivors. Method: Descriptive-analytical, longitudinal, and quantitative study conducted at a cancer center in Brazil between 2021 and 2022, at three moments: three (T1), six (T2), and nine (T3) months after the completion of surgical and clinical cancer treatment (excluding endocrine therapy). The sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire and the Distress Thermometer were applied, in addition to a 35-item list of problems, distributed across five domains: practical, family, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Data Analysis: Statistical tests applied included the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney’s U, Kruskal-Wallis, and the independence test, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The study involved 101 participants, mostly married or in common law marriage. A distress level >4 was observed in most participants. Emotional, spiritual, and physical problems were the most frequently reported. Older women experienced higher distress at T1 and T3, while women with higher education levels reported significantly higher distress at T2 and T3. Conclusion: Most of the women experienced emotional, spiritual, and physical issues, and the need for a multidimensional approach in the care of breast cancer survivors stood out.